The Stroller: 'Love of guns'

Published: Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 3:15 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, February 1, 2013 at 9:15 p.m.

Ramona Ludvik of Spartanburg says that, being a transplant from the Midwest in 1998, she has not experienced the “confusion” Larry Cooper expressed about the South's love of guns and war. “I arrived as a conservative, and I believe it is not strictly because of being in the Bible Belt, as he indicates, although that does contribute to one's worldview. But there are some basic questions one needs to ask, such as where do you look for all good, God or the government of men?” she responds. “Do you want freedom or free stuff with the strings of control attached? Do you believe in self-responsibility to have the freedom to develop your unique God-given talents, or do you look to some government elite to determine what is in your best interest? Those in the Bible Belt recognize the basic sinful nature of man but do attempt to hold to a higher standard. That standard includes the rule of law established by our founding documents, and these were flavored by our Founders recognizing the laws of nature and of nature's God. Jesus did not forcibly take from anyone to redistribute to someone else, yet the example to follow was compassion for those less fortunate. As for war, there are evil people in the world, yet we can have a discussion about St. Augustine's just war concepts. The ‘love of guns' is part of the necessity for a secure and free state.”

‘WONDERFUL PLACE': The staff at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center gets a pat on the back from Debbie Spicer of Boiling Springs for taking great care of her mother while hospitalized October-December. “And I would like to say a special thank you to Michael Cogdill for helping to introduce us to Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home,” she says. “Without his knowledge, we would not have found such a wonderful place. The staff at Hospice Home was truly out of this world. Even though my mother went to be with the Lord on Jan. 2, in her words in reference to the Hospice Home, ‘You can't get much nicer than this.' I think my mom felt like she was in a mansion. There are no words that can express our thanks to the staff and doctors. God Bless each of you.”

OBSERVES JOHN ALBREE of Columbus, N.C.: “I drove by the North Grove Medical Park last Friday, and the U.S. flag was flying high. I must give credit when credit is due.”

IT'S A ‘SHAVER THING': Kids, as Chris Burleson of Columbus, N.C., has discovered, have their own language. “When my 6-year-old son takes a shower with me supervising him and if I have the water too hot or too cold, he says, ‘Daddy, make the water the right size.' And a razor is not a razor. It is called a ‘shaver thing.' The joys of having a child.”

ODDS AND ENDS: In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the celebrated children's book, The Spartanburg Youth Theatre will present “Harold and the Purple Crayon” on the David W. Reid Theatre stage in the Chapman Cultural Center at 4:30 and 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $12 for adults and $9 for students and can be purchased by phone at 542-2787 or online at www.chapmanculturalcenter.org.

It's never too late to recycle the Christmas cards. Send them to St. Jude's Ranch for Children, 100 St. Jude's St., Boulder City, Nev., 89005.

<p>Ramona Ludvik of Spartanburg says that, being a transplant from the Midwest in 1998, she has not experienced the “confusion” Larry Cooper expressed about the South's love of guns and war. “I arrived as a conservative, and I believe it is not strictly because of being in the Bible Belt, as he indicates, although that does contribute to one's worldview. But there are some basic questions one needs to ask, such as where do you look for all good, God or the government of men?” she responds. “Do you want freedom or free stuff with the strings of control attached? Do you believe in self-responsibility to have the freedom to develop your unique God-given talents, or do you look to some government elite to determine what is in your best interest? Those in the Bible Belt recognize the basic sinful nature of man but do attempt to hold to a higher standard. That standard includes the rule of law established by our founding documents, and these were flavored by our Founders recognizing the laws of nature and of nature's God. Jesus did not forcibly take from anyone to redistribute to someone else, yet the example to follow was compassion for those less fortunate. As for war, there are evil people in the world, yet we can have a discussion about St. Augustine's just war concepts. The 'love of guns' is part of the necessity for a secure and free state.”</p><p><b>'WONDERFUL PLACE':</b> The staff at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center gets a pat on the back from Debbie Spicer of Boiling Springs for taking great care of her mother while hospitalized October-December. “And I would like to say a special thank you to Michael Cogdill for helping to introduce us to Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home,” she says. “Without his knowledge, we would not have found such a wonderful place. The staff at Hospice Home was truly out of this world. Even though my mother went to be with the Lord on Jan. 2, in her words in reference to the Hospice Home, 'You can't get much nicer than this.' I think my mom felt like she was in a mansion. There are no words that can express our thanks to the staff and doctors. God Bless each of you.”</p><p><b>OBSERVES JOHN ALBREE of Columbus, N.C.:</b> “I drove by the North Grove Medical Park last Friday, and the U.S. flag was flying high. I must give credit when credit is due.”</p><p><b>IT'S A 'SHAVER THING':</b> Kids, as Chris Burleson of Columbus, N.C., has discovered, have their own language. “When my 6-year-old son takes a shower with me supervising him and if I have the water too hot or too cold, he says, 'Daddy, make the water the right size.' And a razor is not a razor. It is called a 'shaver thing.' The joys of having a child.”</p><p><b>ODDS AND ENDS:</b> In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the celebrated children's book, The Spartanburg Youth Theatre will present “Harold and the Purple Crayon” on the David W. Reid Theatre stage in the Chapman Cultural Center at 4:30 and 7 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $12 for adults and $9 for students and can be purchased by phone at 542-2787 or online at www.chapmanculturalcenter.org. </p><p>It's never too late to recycle the Christmas cards. Send them to <b>St. Jude's Ranch for Children,</b> 100 St. Jude's St., Boulder City, Nev., 89005.</p>